Impalila Island – On a small island embraced by the mighty Zambezi and Chobe rivers, Impalila Combined School stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of learners. Nestled in the far eastern tip of Namibia, the school’s story is one of resilience, community spirit, and the unyielding pursuit of education — even against the odds of nature.
A school born from necessity
According to principal Chris Sihope, Impalila’s origins trace back to the struggles of families displaced by the floods at Kasika. “Parents moved from Kasika due to the floods. They needed a permanent place that would not get flooded — and with that move,
came the need for their children to continue their education,” he explains. Thus, the people who settled on Impalila Island saw the need to establish a school — a haven for learning amid rivers that often isolate the island from the mainland.
The name Impalila itself means ‘far away fields’, Sihope adds, a fitting name for a community both remote and resilient.
Growth through the years
Impalila school started humbly, offering only Grades 1 to 4. But as the community grew and the thirst for knowledge deepened, so did the school. “Later it expanded to Grade 7,” says Sihope.
He went on “Eventually, we grew up to Grade 12. Later, some programmes were phased out, and the school only went up to Grade 9. But due to the population and the cries from parents, we managed to phase in Grades 10 and 11 again.”
Today, Impalila Combined School serves 398 learners, from pre-primary to Grade 11, drawn from 32 surrounding villages.
Despite the school’s remote location, the passion for education remains strong. “The community and teachers have the enthusiasm to deliver education to the learners,” says Sihope proudly.
“With the support of the regional directorate, our business goes on as usual — we deliver.”
The school community is a blend of languages and cultures. Learners and parents mostly speak Subia, while Silozi is taught and spoken at the school — a reflection of the region’s rich linguistic tapestry.
Impalila’s history is also shaped by those who have led it. Sihope acknowledges the contributions of former principals and teachers who nurtured the institution over the years. From a modest beginning on an island between two great rivers to a growing educational centre serving nearly 400 learners, Impalila Combined School embodies progress born of determination.
As Sihope reflects, “Our story is one of community, resilience, and the belief that every child deserves a chance to learn — no matter how far away the field may be.”